Lecture 2

Introduction to Computer Network

Networking
Computer network A collection of
computing devices that are connected in
various ways in order to communicate and
share resources(printer, file, database,
music, etc.)
Usually, the connections between
computers in a network are made using
physical wires or cables
However, some connections are wireless,
using radio waves, infrared signals, etc.

Components of a computer
network
hosts (PCs, laptops, handhelds)
routers & switches (IP router, Ethernet
switch)
links (wired, wireless)
protocols (IP, TCP, FTP, HTTP etc.)
applications (network services)
humans and service agents
Hosts, routers & links form the hardware side.
Protocols & applications form the software
side.

Networking
A network consists of two or more entities or
objects sharing resources and information.
A computer network consists of two or more
computing devices connected to each other
to share resources and information.
The network becomes a powerful tool when
computers communicate and share
resources with other computers on the
same network or entirely distinct networks

Networking
The generic term node or host refers to any
device on a network
Communication = the process of sending data
between sender and receiver
Bandwidth: rate of data transfer. The speed
with which data is moved from one place on a
network to another.
Data transfer rate is a key issue in computer
networks.

Networking
Computer networks have opened up an
entire frontier in the world of computing
called the client/server model

Figure 15.1 Client/Server interaction

Networking
File server A computer that stores and
manages files for multiple users on a
network
Web server A computer dedicated to
responding to requests (from the browser
client) for web pages

Need for Networks

A computer that operates independently
from other computers is called a standalone computer.
The process of printing or transferring data
from one system to another using various
storage devices is called sneakernet.

Need for Networks

Enhance communication.
Share resources.
Facilitate centralized management.

Classification of Networks
Classification by network geography.
Classification by component roles.

Classification by Network
Geography
Networks are frequently classified
according to the geographical boundaries
spanned by the network itself.
LAN, WAN, and MAN are the basic types
of classification, of which LAN and WAN
are frequently used.

LAN
Local-area network (LAN) A network
that connects a relatively small number of
machines in a relatively close
geographical area.

LAN Topology
Various configurations, called topologies, have been
used to administer LANs
Ring topology A configuration that connects all nodes
in a closed loop on which messages travel in one
direction
Star topology A configuration that centers around one
node to which all others are connected and through
which all messages are sent
Bus topology All nodes are connected to a single
communication line that carries messages in both
directions

LAN Topology

Various network topologies

A bus technology called Ethernet has become the
industry standard for local-area networks

15-10

MAN
Metropolitan-area network (MAN) is a
network that interconnects users with
computer resources in a geographic area
or region larger than that covered by even
a large local area network (LAN) but
smaller than the area covered by a
(WAN).

MAN .

WAN
Wide-area network (WAN): A network that
connects two or more local-area networks over a
potentially large geographic distance.
WANs span a larger area than a single city.
These use long distance telecommunication networks
for connection, thereby increasing the cost.

WAN

Wide area network

Classification by Component
Roles
Networks can also be classified according
to the roles that the networked computers
play in the networks operation.
Peer-to-peer, server-based, and clientbased are the types of roles into which
networks are classified.

Classification by Component
Roles
Peer-to-peer:
In a peer-to-peer network, all computers are
considered equal.
Each computer controls its own information
and is capable of functioning as either a client
or a server depending upon the requirement.
Peer-to-peer networks are inexpensive and
easy to install.
They are popular as home networks and for
use in small companies.

Classification by Component
Roles

Peer-to-peer network

Classification by Component
Roles
Server-based:
A server-based network offers centralized
control and is designed for secure operations.
In a server-based network, a dedicated server
controls the network.

Classification by Component
Roles
Server-based (continued):
A dedicated server is one that services the
network by storing data, applications,
resources, and also provides access to
resources required by the client.
These servers can also control the networks
security from one centralized location or share
it with other specially configured servers.

Classification by Component
Roles

Server-based network

Summary
A network consists of two or more entities
sharing resources and information.
A computer network consists of two or
more computers that are connected and
are able to communicate.

Summary
The basic purpose of networks is to
enable effective communication, share
resources, and facilitate centralized
management of data.
Networks can be classified according to
their geographical boundaries or their
component roles.